The Yardley's

Beth and I were recently included in a discussion in which we were asked, "could a 'modern' church still hold worship, a.k.a. Sunday morning service, if the power went out?" (The question was obviously aimed at large churches that typically incorporate sound systems, etc.)

Ironically (or providentially), the very next night we met for RiverCity house church a mighty storm hit Columbia and the only house on the street without power was the host's. Thankfully, people weren't deterred by the torrential downpour and rivers running round the road. Our hostess (The Wilsons) lit candles as the storm subsided.

When everyone was gathered, the church celebrated communion by the flickering of candles and slowly setting sun. The conversation the rest of the night revolved around the early church who joined together in fellowship to celebrate the Lord's Supper in secrecy of darkness (since Christianity was persecuted as illegal) . In a way we couldn't help but reflect on how we were still gathering nearly 2000 years later as a testimony to their faith and our Lord Jesus Christ.

The power never came back on the entire evening, but nobody left without feeling closer to our spiritual ancestors and Jesus Christ who died upon the cross as our substitute. If nothing else, the night was a testament that even in the absence of technology, electricity, and other 'trappings' the church goes on.